Veterinary Technician Externship Program

Location:

Alpine Animal Hospital PC
17776 Highway 82
Carbondale, CO 81623

Primary Contact: Cheryl Streater, Hospital Manager
Phone: (970) 963-2371
Email: [email protected]

Overview

Alpine Animal Hospital is a progressive, small animal veterinary practice located in the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. Established in 1970, our hospital transitioned in 2018 from a mixed-animal practice to two distinct entities: Alpine Animal Hospital, focusing on companion animals, and Alpine Equine Hospital, specializing in equine and large animal care.

We proudly offer a Veterinary Technician Externship Program designed to immerse students in hands-on clinical experience. Students can choose to focus exclusively on small animals, large animals, or participate in a shared-track externship that offers exposure to both disciplines.

Small Animal Team (Alpine Animal Hospital):

• 3 Staff Veterinarians
• 4 Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs)
• 2 Veterinary Technician Assistants
• 2 Administrative Staff

Large Animal Team (Alpine Equine Hospital):

• 2 Staff Veterinarians
• 3 Technicians

Our Facilities

• 10,400 sq. ft. facility built in 2010
• 5 dedicated exam rooms for small animals
• Separate canine, feline, and isolation wards
• Full in-house laboratory and diagnostic suite
• Surgical and dental suites for routine, emergency, and specialty procedures
• Advanced imaging and treatment tools: digital radiography, ultrasonography, focused shockwave therapy, endoscopy, and therapeutic laser
• Equine medical, reproductive, and surgical facility with 4 heated stalls and treatment areas
• 2 fully equipped ambulatory vehicles

Externship Focus

This externship is designed as an educational experience. Areas of training may include:

• Dentistry
• Radiology
• Laboratory Techniques
• Fluid Therapy
• General Medicine
• Ultrasonography
• Surgery Assistance
• Pain Management
• Client Communication & Education
• Practice Management
• Technical Nursing Skills
• Team Collaboration

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Letter of interest describing your goals and motivation for applying
• 3 letters of recommendation addressing work ethic, skillset, and personality

Application Deadline: Open
Term Length: Flexible, based on student availability and program requirements
Compensation: This is a volunteer (unpaid) educational opportunity
Housing: Not provided

Extern Responsibilities

• Shadowing and assisting CVTs and DVMs in clinical tasks
• Radiology and dental assistance
• Support for in-clinic medicine, surgery, and reproduction
• Assisting on ambulatory calls
• Participating in client education programs
• Emergency care observation and assistance as appropriate

Externs are supervised based on their experience and the complexity of the cases, always under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian or certified technician. Exposure to emergency cases and overnight care may vary with the season.

If you're a veterinary technician student eager to learn in a collaborative, supportive environment while surrounded by the natural beauty of Colorado, we welcome your application!